He said all the right things to the media and fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Mats Sundin’s actions spoke louder than words. Rather than waiving his no-trade clause, giving the opportunity for the Leafs to get something in exchange for his services for the rest of the season and playoffs. The longtime captain snubbed his nose at management, forcing them to keep the aging veteran. Sundin claims to bleed blue and white, and only wants what’s best for the team. If this were the case, Sundin would of waived the clause, played with a contender for a few months, then simply re-signed with the Leafs in the offseason. Cliff Fletcher should introduce Sundin to the ushers up in the press box for the rest of the season. He won’t because the fans and media in Toronto would be up in arms about their beloved captain, no matter how much he hurt the team. Leaf fans, and the the media that follows them, both deserve this team. And their so called captian.
Sundin’s Decision a Selfish One
Posted on February 26, 2008 – 1:17 pm
6 Comments
There is no hope for this decaying franchise
I have no doubt there will be howls of complaint about this, but after all Sundin has done and been through, is this the best way to treat him?He could easily just retire after all this and never return.Does he deserve this?No.Does he need the money?I doubt it.Imagine in the future,if we offer a no trade,do you think the player will believe it?
This is just my opinion, but forcing him to do what he doesn’t want to and not honouring his ntc will hurt this franchise and hurt Toronto’s credibility.In the end He(Sundin) has the final say anyway.Just one fan saying this is a sad way for a great leaf to end his career.At this point it would be wiser to resign him and not lose him.Remember,if he leaves with a bad taste in his mouth many will see how this great leaf was treated and he most likely won’t resign.Hell,he could even retire right now.Hate me but don’t hate Sundin,he has done too much for this franchise and we owe him.
You Leafs fans… The Leafs aren’t very likely at all to win the Cup this year… why don’t you stop being Leafs fans now… and cheer for the Ducks, Wings, Sens or Sharks… then you can be winners
And next year you can go right back to being Leafs fans…. but you have a Cup as a fan
!!
That is what some here are asking Sundin to do. If Sundin really wants to be a Leaf until he retires… wants to stay on the Leafs regardless this year… and maybe next or the year after….. and hope he can get a shot at the Cup that makes him a far greater Leaf.
And I am sure all of you…. would be disgusted at cheering for the Wings or the Sens… for the rest of the year… Why the heck would Sundin want to PLAY for those teams? He is far more of a Leaf than any of you… for a decade. If he doesn’t want to be a hired gun how can he be criticized for that?
Sure a NTC can be used both as a tool to only be traded to teams of a players choice… for possibly the best Cup chance… or it is a protection against being traded as a commodity when your heart is on the team you have played for for many years.
If Mats is not moved he will go down much like Sittler and Clark. Great Leaf careers but no cup and not even a visit to a final.
If he goes and Fletch gets a good return…like the Flyers did for Forsberg. Mats can sign again in the summer with the Leafs and help the retooled roster..like the Flyers are doing this year without Forsberg.
It’s not a complicated issue folks.
I don’t think their best player who has performed and given it over his tenue should have to pay for the sins of management and the rest of the lacklustre play of the team. it’s not like he’s vince carter who screwed the raps and did not take any responsibility for the mess he created and then, demanded a trade. they should get rid of pettie and blow of the team and keep the good ones like sundin.
Sundin shouldn’t have to pay for the many sins of management. But if he really wanted the Leafs to get better, waiving the NTC would have helped. He simply could of resigned in the offseason. It also might have caused a domino effect. Other NTC players might have followed suit.